VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — Former NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer has been hired as head coach and general manager of the Virginia Destroyers of the UFL.

Schottenheimer was introduced Wednesday as the first coach of the franchise. The Destroyers will begin play this season, the third year of existence for the United Football League.

"I have been impressed with the fervor and passion that has been created in the region for a team that has yet to play a down of football," Schottenheimer said. "I promise the fans there that we will repay them with a great product on the field and a franchise to make them proud."

A veteran of 30 years of NFL experience as a coach and player, Schottenheimer has a career coaching record of 205-139-1 (.596). He coached Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego, taking a Chargers team that was 4-12 in 2003 to 12-4 and the division title in 2004.

Schottenheimer is the fourth prominent former NFL coach to take on the same job in the UFL, joining Jim Fassel (Las Vegas), Dennis Green (Sacramento) and Jerry Glanville (Hartford).